Tag Archives: Mental Health

A Sleepless Kind of Night in Seattle

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning, World from Seattle, Washington. I have yet been to sleep and it is 6:12 in the blasted morning here in Seattle. I am proud to say that the lack of sleep helped me be productive in ways I have been so the last few times Mr. Sandman has not exactly stopped at my home.

I started reading a book and read six chapters in it. It is quite an interesting book. I then picked up another book a read four chapters in that book. My dilemma is now what book I am going to focus on reading. Both books are quite interesting. I know there a bigger problems in the world that figuring out what book to read like being able to get to sleep.

I decided to do some art work. Specifically, I did some coloring that was not even a quarter done when I started coloring it tonight. Well, I can officially say that it is one hundred percent done and it only took me three and a half hours to finish. You would think that would have helped me get to sleep but sadly it did not.

So, I did decided to read some magazines about both mindfulness and meditation that included journaling. I found this extremely helpful to me. As it appeared to be the second best thing to help me relax. The first thing that of course helped me relax and that is finally making me tired is my cat, Billie Dean. I love my cat Billie so much. Life would not be the same with out him.

I don’t have much more to say in this post except thank you for reading my blog. I really appreciated that you read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my hear for reading my blog. Have a great Saturday day ahead of you. Peace Out, World!!!

The Basic’s of the Reality of Self Care & Self Love

Posted on by Gertie

Happy Midnight from my corner of the world which is Seattle, Washington. As I stated it is midnight here in Seattle and it appears that I am unable to sleep. At this point in time I don’t think it is insomnia that is keeping me up.

The reason why I am thinking it is not insomnia as I have been doing to some good self care after the toe infection I have been dealing with. Even though I am suppose to be staying off of it, I am have been doing some major chores around my apartment. Specifically, I have been cleaning it as it is in desperate need of a major cleaning. The lack of cleanliness hasn’t been good for my depression which is why I am been cleaning about thirty minutes day. While cleaning I have been listening to music. Specifically, I have been listening to my Recovery Music list to keep me motivated.

Another thing that has helping me stay motivated is by doing mindfulness and meditation practices. Practicing mindfulness and meditation as helped me stat focused on what I need to do for good self care as well as good self love. Self love is extremely challenging for me which is why I am doing my best to do things that create self love in myself by doing mindfulness and meditation practices on a daily schedule.

As part of my self care, I am starting read books for fun again. I noticed when I read for fun it helps me go on a mini vacation without costing too much money. It could be done in many situations and can also be considered a form of mindfulness.

Oh an lets not forget about reading comic books. Comic books is a great way to do good self care as well as an awesome form of self love. Comic books has a way for me to believe in myself in ways other types of reading material may not be quite as helpful.

I recently bought some magazines regarding mindfulness, meditation , journaling as well as creativity to help me continue on good self care and good self love. Of course all this will be help me especially if I stick to it like I plan to. Journaling will be a good help with my recovery.

The one thing that helps me everyday, multiple times a day to stay grounded is my cat Billie Dean. Billie has been a great help with staying in the reality of doing good self care and self love. I love my cat Billie so much and am grateful for being able to having as a mindfulness exercise multiple times a day.

On a plus note I was able to go to work today (Friday) and was thrilled about it. I love being a Peer Support Specialist which is why I am focusing on self-care and self-love.

I do not have much more to say i this particular blog. I just want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog. Again, thank from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog; it truly is greatly appreciated. Now it is time to say goodnight now that is it midnight Seattle time. Plus it is time to cuddled with my precious kitty Billie Dean aka Billie the Kat aka Billie. I have everyone has great night ahead of them. Have an awesome weekend ahead and don’t forget to do good self care. You my readers are just very awesome people. Thank you for reading my blog. Good Night and Peace Out, World!!!

Therapy + Infected Toe + Urgent Care +Migraine + Vomiting + A Loving Kitty = Moments of Gratitude & Good Self Care

Posted on by Gertie

Good afternoon, World. I will be showing you a picture of my infected left big tow. It hurts like hell but at least its not an ingrown toenail that is infected. The doctor at urgent care says I don’t have an ingrown toenail. The doctor says the infection is most likely caused due to a recent hang nail. As much as it hurts like hell, I took the day off yesterday. The picture below is the the picture of my left foot showing you the big toe infection. I did put a caption with it for those reader who are sight impaired.

Infected big toe on left foot.

I did go to urgent can and was able get a note for missing work yesterday. Sadly, I didn’t really that the medicine of antibiotics are making me nauseas and makes me vomit if I don’t eat something with it. Due to that reason, my employer won’t allow me to come into work today or tomorrow as a precautionary thing just in case it is Covid-19 when I know it is not. But better to make sure even if it is the medicine the doctor proscribed me. Not anyone’s fault the the med makes me sick if I don’t eat with it. That is why I am going to get a doctor’s note for today and tomorrow as a precaution.

I am grateful that my job is so cool with making sure we make sure we do good self care. In fact the med is giving me a migraine as well as the vomiting which sucks but I know what I need to do to take care of myself.

Speaking of taking care of myself I saw my therapist yesterday before I went to urgent care and she agreed going to urgent care is a form of self care. My therapist is amazing and supports my decision as how can I help others affectively if I am not taking care of myself. She has a really good point.

Since she has a good point I contacted my primary care doctor to write a note for me missing work for today and tomorrow. so I can get a note.

On that note I am doing some good self care by reading, coloring and of course spending time with my Cat Billie Dean. Billie, appears to be loving it as I am. I love my cat and the weather outside cant make up its mind at the mind. I will go and take a walk later even if it is only for 5 minutes.

I don’t have much more to say. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. I hope you have a great day. Peace Out, World!!!

Looking Forward to the Long Weekend

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! Its late Friday evening and the start of a long weekend for the United States due to Memorial Day. It is a day we remember fallen soldiers who gave their life for this country. For them and all veterans I am grateful for my freedom.

Memorial Day weekend is a three day weekend for the United States however it will be a four day weekend for me. It will be a four day weekend for me because I am taking Tuesday off. I am taking Tuesday off because I am going to Bremerton on Sunday to spend a couple of nights there. I thought it would be good for me as getting away for a few days can be refreshing.

Since I will be gone for two nights, my cat, Billie Dean will be going to my grandpa’s tomorrow (Saturday) to spend a few days. I know I could have my grandpa come to my apartment to take care of my cat once a day or have a neighbor do it but I don’t want Billie to be lonely. Plus, my grandpa and two uncles enjoy having Billie around even if they are too stubborn to admit it. I notice when my family has Billie around that their moods appear to be in a better place.

Speaking of moods, my depression and anxiety have been acting up. I am not exactly sure why but I am hopeful that the symptoms won’t be increasing. I am hopeful because I know what I can do to help myself. One of those ways is getting out of town every once in awhile and I am doing that this weekend.

I do not have much more to discuss in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my heart. I am beyond grateful that you read my blog. I hope everyone has a great long weekend ahead of them. Peace Out, World!!!

The Weather Sucks but Friends & Cats Don’t Suck

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning, World!!! Right now I am suppose to be working and am on the clock. I just don’t have anything going for work regarding clients or meetings till twelve noon Seattle time. I am also all caught up on paperwork. I’m not a big fan of paperwork which is why I do it as soon as possible so it is not hanging over my head like a dark cloud.

Speaking of dark clouds, the weather in Seattle sucks today even for Seattle’s weather. Days like today in the weather department does make it easier to work from home. Also, days like today doesn’t help my depression. At least the sucking weather fits my sucky mood of depression.

My depression might be acting up which is why I decided to go out to breakfast with a friend of mine. My friend and I went to breakfast to catch up with each other and what is going on in each other’s lives. I am always happy to catch up with friends especially over a good meal. The best part of the meal with my friend was sharing funny stories about our cats.

Since we are now on the topic of cats, I will be volunteering this evening at PAWS Cat City. I am looking forward to it. I love volunteering at PAWS Cat City. It always brightens my day as well as my week when I volunteer especially when my depression is acting up.

I do not have much more to say in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you do read my blog. Again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. I hope everyone has a great day ahead of them. Peace Out, World!!!

The Day That Changed My Life, Again

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! Today marks exactly three years since I adopted my last cat Lil Gertie. I miss her a great deal and wish I had more time with her. Sadly, I only had a year and a half with her before she crossed over the rainbow bridge.

The therapist I had three years ago suggested getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). We discussed why it would be good for my recovery and help reduce the symptoms of my mental health challenges. So, I decided to adopt a cat from PAWS Cat City here in Seattle. I connected with Lil Gertie at first site. She changed my life in so many ways.

One of the ways that she changed my life is that she gave me something to focus on other than myself and what I was struggling with. She gave me a purpose I was lacking when I adopted her. She helped me gain self confidence and self worth.

Due to the self confidence and self worth I gained, I was able to go back to work. Going back to work even though it was part time for just over two years helped me not just with my self worth and self confidence, it helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life which was to be a peer support specialist again. Now, I can happily say I am once again a peer support specialist and working fulltime.

Sadly, Lil Gertie couldn’t see me become a peer support specialist again because she crossed over the rainbow bridge on Thanksgiving Day of 2019. Lil Gertie received a cancer diagnosis in October of 2019 and she was given six months to live, maybe nine months. When I was given this news I started the volunteer process to become a volunteer at PAWS Cat City. It was in the middle of this process that Lil Gertie had a mini stroke on Thanksgiving Day and made the decision that it was best to end her suffering by having the vet help her cross the rainbow bridge. Yes, I was with Lil Gertie when she crossed over.

Despite loosing Lil Gertie in the middle of the process of becoming a volunteering PAWS Cat City, I continued the process. I continued as I knew it would not only help me with my grief of loosing Lil Gertie, I wanted to help cat find their furrever homes and to help people find their new best friend. I had my first shift at PAWS Cat City in January of 2020.

It was while on a volunteer shift at PAWS Cat City, that Billie Dean my current cat and I fell in love with each other. I put him on hold to get the what I needed for him and adopted him the next day. Billie has been apart of my life for just over a year now and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Yes, I miss Lil Gertie and love her with all my heart but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. Today, is the day she changed my life forever and for the better.

I do not have much more to say in this particular blog post. I want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope everyone has a great evening. Peace Out, World!!!

Ramblings About Today

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! I missed my session with my new therapist on Tuesday and she called me today to do fifteen minute session. Something I wasn’t expecting but I am very much grateful for the time she gave me. Her kindness is awesome. I am a little weary of her being so timid but I will give her a chance as sometimes the timid ones tend to be the best therapist I have had.

I did work from work from home today. I only had three clients today and all were done via phone. The other part of the day was a two hour meeting as well as writing notes. According to the Clinical Director, I “write really good notes.” I am not sure about that but I having to train all the Peer Specialist how to write them when the lead peer comes back from leave. I am not sue how this person will react as I have only be at my new employer for five months. I really do love my job.

As much as I love the work I do, I do need time to take care of myself. So I am spending this evening doing art. The type of art I am doing is coloring. I love coloring as it is quite helpful. I colored as I listened to a podcast about philosophy. The specific podcast I listened to is Philosophize this. I learned a great about philosophy and finished a picture that I am proud of.

Now it is time for me to turn on the music full blast as I clean my bathroom. Doesn’t sound very fun but I enjoy cleaning the bathroom especially since that is where my cats litter box is. I love my cat Billie Dean so much that I clean the bathroom everyday. Billie seems to like it as I play some really good music.

I don’t have much more to say in this particular blog post. I, do, however, want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you do read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. It means a great deal to me. Have a great evening. Peace Out, World!!!

A Not So Brief Blog About Current Life Lessons

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! I have many things going on in my life on why I temporally put a halt to doing some blogging courses through WordPress. Courses where I have left off. So I will get back to them once I works shit out in my personal life which is being affected by workplace bullying.

The workplace bullying is starting to affect my physical health primarily with with dealing with migraines. Three of the migraines I received ended up in the emergency room and was inform that it was most likely due to the bully I am receiving at work. Even thou I am being bullied at work, I am feeling supported by my supervisor, the clinical director and HR as well as a good portion of my colleagues. Despite the bullying I still love my job and know that I have people in my workplace that support place.

On somewhat of a work related thing is that I finally was able to get my first Covid-19 vaccine. I got it after much research on my part as well as gentle reminders as suggestions from my employer. Getting the vaccine is not requirement from my job but highly suggested. I decided to take my vaccine and my I took my first one yesterday. I had a slight allergic reaction of a burning throat with an itchy rash. I took Benadryl and went away after about forty-five minutes of taking the Benadryl. I am still planning on taking the second dose.

I took my first vaccine yesterday (Saturday) morning and feel like shit but It is well worth it. Well worth it for me because it means I can help others by getting the vaccines. Sadly, I had to miss my normal volunteer shift at PAWS Cat City today because of how shitty I feel after getting the vaccine. It makes me sad to miss time with all the cats but I am grateful that I have extra time with my own cat, Billie Dean. As much as I love spending time helping other cats find furrever homes, I am grateful to have more time with my cat, Billie. I love all the cats I help.

I would love to say more but I am getting really tired and needing to take another nap. I hope you have a great Sunday ahead of you. I want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things for reading my blog. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. I hope you all have an awesome rest of you Sunday world and have a great work week ahead of you when Monday makes an appearance. Peace Out, World!!!

Weekly Plans

Posted on by Gertie

Sunday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice
  • Volunteer at PAWS Cat City
  • Work on step one
  • Attend a twelve step meeting

Monday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice
  • Attend a twelve step meeting
  • Work on step one
  • Work

Tuesday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice
  • Work on step one
  • Work

Wednesday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice
  • Work
  • Work on step one
  • Attend a twelve step meeting

Thursday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice
  • Work
  • Work on step one

Friday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice
  • Work
  • Attend twelve step meeting
  • Work on step one

Saturday

  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Clean apartment
  • Work on step one
  • Attend a twelve step meeting

Weekly Check-In

Posted on by Gertie

This past week has been quite a week. Overall, it has been a good one with a couple of not so good moments. Moments, I will get through with the help of friends, family and colleagues as well my cat Billie Dean.

The week started out with my birthday and being able to celebrate it with friend and family. I celebrated my birthday with both sides if my family. I first celebrated with my dad’s side of the family here in Seattle. I then traveled to Olympia to celebrate with my mom’s side of the family.

As I spent time in Olympia, my grandpa took care of my cat Billie Dean at his home in the Seattle area. I really missed be with Billie but I enjoyed my time with my mom and uncle as well as a couple of friends who live in the Olympia area.

The best part of my birthday was that I started the first step of the twelve step program I am in. I am slowly working on the first step. I wish it wasn’t taking as long as I had hope it was. I am grateful to be working on the twelve steps.

I am grateful to be home from Olympia and I think my cat Billie is glad to be home from my grandpa’s. Hell, we are both happy to be home together. I did end up having some health issues. I had a migraine and had to to take an expected day off of from work yesterday. All I can say is migraines suck shit.

My supervisor did check in with me yesterday as she thought I took yesterday off due to being bullied by a colleague. I assured my supervisor that I was not taking it off due to bullying that I was taking it off due to a migraine. My supervisor is just an amazing person. Even though someone at work is bullying me, I am grateful that my supervisor and colleagues are supportive of me.

I don’t have much more to say in this particular weekly check in. I do want to thank you for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you do read my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!